City of Ketchikan

The meeting included a presentation by the Port & Harbors Director regarding a harbor rate increase request, justifying the need due to tight budget constraints and limiting flexibility for new expenditures and capital improvements. A motion was passed to increase harbor rates by eight percent. Additionally, the Director requested the allocation of $60,000.00 from the Raw Fish Tax for harbor safety improvements and maintenance. Following discussion concerning tax distribution equity and financial review needs, the Board unanimously passed a motion to request a review of Raw Fish Tax distribution, explore returning collected state funds for harbor maintenance, investigate discrepancies, and support fund usage for grant match reserves and deferred maintenance. The Director's report was also reviewed.

The meeting addressed several items including a public inquiry regarding parking near the Port & Harbors office, which was clarified to be managed by City of Ketchikan Public Works. A significant discussion focused on the utilization of the Bar Harbor Launch Ramp, specifically concerning damage from seine skiff launches, leading to a directive for the Port & Harbors Director to prepare a memo for the City Council. New business included the election of the PHAB Chairman and Vice Chairman/Secretary. The board reviewed the request letter for raw fish tax fund utilization for essential safety improvements and received the 2026 Cruise Ship Berthing calendar. The proposed Berth III Tender Float Lease, referred back by the City Council, was reviewed, and the board ultimately passed a motion to maintain the current operation structure, rejecting a dedicated lease. The item regarding the 2026 Harbor Rate Increase was postponed pending the required notice period.

The regular meeting commenced with the nomination and unanimous passage of a motion to select a Pro Temporary Chairman. Key discussions included a person addressing a situation regarding access to a loading zone, which the Acting Port Director confirmed he had addressed with the security personnel involved. Under new business, the Board unanimously approved rescheduling the regular meeting from July 9, 2024, to July 16, 2024. The Director's Report was reviewed, and a future agenda item for the Charter Loading Zone was noted.

The meeting included the introduction of two new board members, Ms. Lind Faber and Mr. Tom Carruth. A motion was passed to approve Board Member Youngblood's request for an extended absence. A discussion was held regarding a citizen complaint concerning unauthorized use of Harbors power and potential boat break-ins; the Acting Harbors Director confirmed that breakers were shut off and locked. Furthermore, the Board reviewed the Cruise Passenger Cost Study, noting the financial impact on City departments outside the Port's enterprise fund. A motion was passed unanimously to request documentation of the costs the City of Ketchikan is incurring from its general fund to support the cruise ship industry and to develop a mechanism for recovering those funds. The Acting Harbor Director and Acting Port Director also presented their respective reports.

This document outlines the Draft Capital Improvement Program for the Harbors Department, spanning from 2022 to 2033. It details various projects including piling replacements, float rehabilitations, dredging, cathodic protection, electrical upgrades, ramp repairs, and new construction, along with their projected funding requirements and sources of funds. The program aims to enhance and maintain harbor infrastructure over the defined period.